Terry Fletcher
Summary
Public affairs and communications professional with extensive experience supporting environmental policy, regulatory programs, and government operations. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications that inform stakeholders, support leadership decision-making, and translate complex technical and regulatory information for diverse audiences. As Chief Communications Officer for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), advise senior leadership, lead high-visibility public engagement, and coordinate with media, community stakeholders, and government partners. Background aligns with federal public affairs functions, including legislative communications and intergovernmental coordination.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Promoter
Alford Foundation & Crawl Space Repair
01.2025 - Current
- Represent Alford Foundation and Crawl Space Repair at community events, supporting outreach and public engagement.
- Assist with digital content development aligned with organizational messaging.
Chief Communications Officer
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
01.2019 - Current
- Serve as primary communications advisor and spokesperson for a state environmental agency of 800+ employees, supporting leadership across multiple regulatory programs and operations.
- Lead communications response for high-profile and sensitive issues, including environmental incidents, enforcement actions, and matters of significant public interest.
- Develop and implement strategic communications for regulatory actions, enforcement matters, and policy initiatives, translating complex technical information into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.
- Prepare executive briefings, talking points, and messaging for leadership engagement with media, stakeholders, and government partners.
- Manage media relations, including responding to inquiries and drafting statements to ensure accurate and consistent messaging.
- Planned and facilitated over 100 public meetings and hearings to date, communicating complex regulatory decisions and addressing stakeholder concerns.
- Lead digital communications strategy, including website modernization and social media, increasing YouTube subscribers by 147% and viewership by 165%.
Sportswriter
Charleston Gazette-Mail
10.2013 - 06.2024
- Reported and wrote features, game coverage, and previews on local and regional high school and collegiate athletics under daily deadlines.
- Conducted interviews and gathered information from athletes, coaches, and officials to produce accurate and engaging coverage.
Public Information Specialist
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
08.2018 - 01.2019
Public Records Coordinator
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
05.2016 - 08.2018
Education
Bachelor of Science - Print Journalism
West Virginia University
Skills
- Strategic Communications
- Public Affairs & Media Relations
- Legislative & Intergovernmental Communications
- Regulatory & Policy Communications
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Executive Briefings & Messaging
- Crisis & Risk Communication
- Digital Communications Strategy
Timeline
Brand Promoter
Alford Foundation & Crawl Space Repair
01.2025 - Current
Chief Communications Officer
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
01.2019 - Current
Public Information Specialist
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
08.2018 - 01.2019
Public Records Coordinator
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
05.2016 - 08.2018
Sportswriter
Charleston Gazette-Mail
10.2013 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Print Journalism
West Virginia University